Ossoff, Warnock, Georgia Democratic delegates voice support for VP Kamala Harris
ATLANTA - Georgia Sen. John Ossoff and several Democratic state lawmakers have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, pledging their support to help her win Georgia in the upcoming election.
During a news conference held this morning at Atlanta Technical College, Sen. Ossoff expressed enthusiasm for Harris's campaign, highlighting her experience and track record as vice president. He emphasized the excitement surrounding her candidacy and noted that Harris has made numerous campaign visits to Georgia, appealing to voters as she seeks to secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately win the presidential race.
US Vice President Kamala Harris (2nd R) shakes hands with US Senator Raphael Warnock as US Senator Jon Ossoff, US Representative Nikema Williams watch at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 18, 2021. (Photo by ALEX EDELMAN / AFP)
"I spoke with the president last night and conveyed my gratitude for all that he has done for the state of Georgia, and I am ready to work to ensure the vice president is successful in November," Sen. Ossoff told FOX 5's Deidra Dukes.
In addition to Ossoff's endorsement, other lawmakers and supporters praised Harris's preparedness and commitment.
"I was pleased to endorse the vice president for president. She is prepared. She is ready to win. She has my full support," Sen. Ossoff added.
Sen. Raphael Warnock also endorsed Harris, expressing his pride in working alongside her and President Joe Biden.
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Jason Carter endorses Kamala Harris
Jason Carter, grandson of President Jimmy Carter and former Georgia state senator, says he was initially surprised by President Biden’s announcement that he was dropping out of the presidential race. Once the shock wore off, Carter said it just made sense.
"Joe Biden has done a lot throughout his whole life to demonstrate he's the kind of person to put his country above himself, and so it wasn't out of character," Carter told FOX 5’s Denise Dillon.
Carter says he fully supports Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the top spot. He believes she is the best choice.
"Vice President Harris has the benefit of being part of this ticket and having been a part of this ticket for the last several months and years. She's run before nationally; she's been part of the team that beat Trump last time, and she knows how this works," Carter said.
The former president’s grandson says he, like many Georgia Democrats, have seen the outpouring of support for the move.
WOULD FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER ENDORSE HARRIS? READ WHAT JASON CARTER HAS TO SAY
Georgia Democratic delegates backing Kamala Harris
State Sen. Nan Orrock is among 108 Georgia delegates who will vote for the Democratic presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
"She has been to Georgia a dozen times in the past year. She knows Georgia well, we know her very well," Sen. Orrock said.
Sen. Orrock says she is excited about the vice president being tapped by Biden to top the Democratic ticket.
"I can say to you, from very much an insider's view, knowing the delegates, knowing the process, that there is massive enthusiasm in Georgia for the decision of President Biden to pass the torch," Sen Orrock said.
The Democratic Part of Georgia made the endorsement of the vice president official in a statement late Monday which reads:
"The Democratic Party of Georgia’s DNC delegation is deeply grateful to President Biden for his transformational leadership and proud to join him in enthusiastically endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President," said Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. "Georgia Democrats know that Vice President Harris is the right candidate to defeat convicted felon Donald Trump – we are united, our eyes are on the prize, and we’re ready to send her back to the White House as President."
SEE MORE REACTION FROM GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS
Georgia grassroots campaigns react to Biden bow out, Harris nod
President Joe Biden’s announcement this weekend to bow out of the 2024 presidential race, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, has had a major impact on many grassroots campaigns.
Atlanta-based Black Voters Matter says it has watched a surge of energy be injected into the race, especially among young voters, who were not very enthusiastic about Biden’s reelection bid.
"I tell you the chat group for our college organizers has been lit," shared Black Voters Matter co-founder, Cliff Albright. "You’ve got new people looking to vote and knock on doors."
Former U.S. senator, Kelly Loeffler, leads a conservative, grassroots effort in Georgia to get the vote out. The co-founder of Greater Georgia says she is aware of the energy coming from the Democrats but says, do not ignore the power coming from the GOP following the Republican National Convention. She says it trumps Harris.
"She’s lagging (behind) President Trump in the polls by points compared to Biden, lagging by 3 points and they (Democrats) outspent Trump in Georgia 5-1," Loeffler told FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart.
She says the GOP in Georgia is not taking anything for granted and will run as if former President Donald Trump is down 20 points. She points to a broad outreach effort to Asian, Black and Latino voters.
"We have to stay focused on winning and not be distracted by chaos revealed on the other side," said the former Georgia senator.
Albright says Democrats are ready for the task ahead. Hershey says one key to keeping momentum is keeping Vice President Harris. Despite numerous endorsements, including President Biden, she has not locked up the nomination. Albright says any move to block Harris from the Democratic nomination will be a big mistake.
"We want to see the same energy that you were using to get him (Biden) to drop out, transferring that energy to the support of the vice president," said Albright. "Black folks are going to be looking."
Expert weighs in on Democratic presidential nomination
Emory Law Professor Alicia Hughes spoke with FOX 5 about the timing of Biden's announcement, falling between the state primaries and the Democratic National Convention.
"There are some concerns, you know, people want to feel as though their voices are heard," said Hughes.
Earlier this month, South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn floated the idea of a mini-primary to replace President Biden if he pulled out of the race.
"I think that Jim Clyburn has a good idea about having a mini-conference or caucus before the convention because you need to unify the Democratic Party before going into that convention," Hughes said.
A FOX 5 Atlanta/Insider Advantage Poll conducted earlier this month showed former President Trump with a 10-point lead over Harris among Georgia voters if she were the Democratic nominee, but Ossoff believes she can still win Georgia at the top of the ticket.
The Harris campaign has seen a significant influx of donations, raising over $46 million in just 24 hours through the ActBlue platform, marking the site's largest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.
Despite mixed reactions from Georgia voters, with some expressing support for Harris and others leaning toward former President Trump, the campaign remains focused on mobilizing support and addressing key issues.